Effingham Family Medicine, in conjunction with the Effingham Hospital laboratory department, will host its second annual “Guys Night Out,” a free prostate cancer screening program for men in the community.
The first year of the program brought 30 participants together to be screened for prostate cancer. To accommodate even more screenings this year, Effingham Family Medicine will offer a second location and date.
Guys Night Out 2011 will take place Sept. 20 from 5-8 p.m. at Effingham Family Medicine in Springfield, 1451 Highway 21, South Suite H (next to Harvey’s), and also Sept. 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Effingham Family Medicine in Port Wentworth, 7306 Highway 21, Suite 105 (behind Zaxby’s).
It is estimated that over 240,000 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2011 and that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men behind lung cancer.
Those who are eligible for the free prostate screening must be 50 years of age or older and must not be experiencing any symptoms or have been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer. The screening consists of a Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA test most commonly used to find elevated levels of the protein in the blood.
In addition to the simple PSA blood test, the screening also includes an exam that will help rule out abnormalities in size and shape of the prostate gland itself.
Dr. Romualdo Laygo and Dr. Christopher DeLisle, both primary care physicians at Effingham Family Medicine, will perform the free exams. Each will be available to answer questions about the disease including common symptoms and risk factors.
“Getting screened for prostate cancer is simple, yet so many men are embarrassed or are not aware that this could save their life,” said Dr. DeLisle. “Making this free service available to men throughout our area not only gives them a convenient way to undergo the exam; but also, it shows them that it is crucial to talk about important health and wellness issues. We’ve designed Guys Night Out for the men in our community to have more opportunities to take better care of themselves and to have some fun while they’re doing so.”
In an effort to put participants of the screening at ease and to help create a positive experience while waiting, Guys Night Out offers a spread of guy-themed food and entertainment for those who attend.
While an appointment is not necessary, you can call ahead to schedule a time during designated hours.
Screenings are completed on a first-come, first-served basis without an appointment. Pre-registration is recommended and will help expedite the screening process.
Forms can be downloaded from the hospital’s Web site at www.EffinghamHealth.org. Forms also are available at any one of the Effingham Family Medicine locations or the reception desk at the Physician’s Center.
Call 754-6937 for more details and if you would like to schedule a screening in advance.
